Jim Hoggan's blog

Woefully, it appears that Bobby Kennedy Jr., so fulsomely quoted a few posts on, has clay feet when it comes to his environmental convictions. That is, he's all for saving the world, as long as it doesn't interfere with his favourite sailing grounds.

There are days, in some states and provinces, when peddling concern about global warming is a tough sell; in North Dakota, or Manitoba, a little winter warmth sometimes sounds like a good thing. But things start to look more real when the snowmobiles have to stay on the trailer for a whole season. Check out the attached Canadian Press story on the state of prairie weather this winter.

The principal argument is that we should not allow habits of thought that invite or facilitate deception and manipulation. WriterAndrew Bard Schmookler says:

“It matters whether people follow their authorities blindly or they develop the critical capabilities to think for themselves. Perhaps it’s fine to give the Bible unquestioning credence, but unquestioning trust in the declarations of political authorities can be dangerous.”

It’s a little past the season, but real monsters are with us all year ‘round. Besides, there is so much to worry about in January (and February and March and …) that the new year should begin with a smile.

… or for those rare women who are up for high-speed handbreak turns in gas station parking lots.

The Tango may not turn out to be the Model A of the new millennium, but it serves as a good example of what Detroit might be doing if it was serious about producing energy-efficient and smog-blocking alternatives. Unlike most of the experimental electric cars to date, this also looks like it would be serious fun: 0-60 mph in 4 seconds; 150 mph top end; and a race-ready roll cage to keep you safer than the easily crushed occupants of your average truck-frame SUV.

Democracy is utterly dependent upon an electorate that is accurately informed. In promoting climate change denial (and often denying their responsibility for doing so) industry has done more than endanger the environment. It has undermined democracy.

There is a vast difference between putting forth a point of view, honestly held, and intentionally sowing the seeds of confusion. Free speech does not include the right to deceive. Deception is not a point of view. And the right to disagree does not include a right to intentionally subvert the public awareness.